Medical institutions in the geography of innovation: evidence from public tertiary hospitals and biotech start-ups in Chinese cities

Concerning China’s growth in biotechnology, the research on biotech start-ups in China yields significant implications. However, studies have not given enough attention to hospitals, which are critical players in the biotech industry. Because of the hospital-centric healthcare system, public tertiary hospitals in China are important partners for biotech start-ups. This study investigates the geographical relationship between public tertiary hospitals and biotech start-ups in Chinese cities. The findings suggest evidence of collocation, which reflects their alliances. This research thereby contributes to the existing knowledge of the biotech industry by integrating the healthcare system into the location of biotech firms.